Tener que, Hay que

You have already learned the verb TENER (to have). TENER is a very important verb.  It is used to express something one has to do.  It is also used in many other expressions that do not translate easily to English.  These are called IDIOMS.

Tener plus que image

TENER + QUE + INFINITIVE means that someone has to do something. Tener will be conjugated appropriately for the person doing the action; then you use the word que; and then the verb in the infinitive will express the action that they “have to do.”   Don’t forget que!   This is a three-part verb!

When using Tener + que, you must conjugate tener correctly and use the infinitive of the action verb:

  • Tengo que hablar por teléfono.  [I have to talk on the phone.]
  • Paco tiene que estudiar para la clase de ciencias. [Paco has to study for science class.]

Hay plus que image

 

HAY + QUE + INFINITIVE means that “one must do something” or “it’s necessary.” This compound verb is very simple in that you do not even need to conjugate anything. Hay stays the same because it refers to the fact that “one” or “somebody” must do something, which is vague, and then the second verb (in the infinitive) will express the action that they “must do.” Don’t forget que to connect hay and the infinitive! This is a three-part verb!

  • Hay que estudiar.  [“One must study” or “It’s necessary to study.” In everyday English we would say “You have to study” or “You’ve got to study.”]
  • Hay que practicar español.  [“It’s necessary to practice Spanish” or “You’ve got to practice Spanish.”]

 

 

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